Air Conditioner (AC) feature in a car is an important feature that supports comfort when driving, especially in tropical countries like Indonesia. So that your car AC can function optimally and last long, it is important to understand its components and how to care for it properly. The following is an explanation of car AC components, how they work, as well as maintenance tips that can make your car AC last longer. Come on, keep watching!
Car air conditioning consists of several main components that work synergistically to produce cold air. These components include:
One of the main components in a car AC is the compressor which functions as a pump to distribute refrigerant (coolant) throughout the AC system. This compressor is driven by the car engine via a drive belt. When the compressor is working, the refrigerant is sucked from the evaporator in the form of low pressure gas and pressed into high pressure gas.
Next, there is a condenser which functions to cool and change the high-pressure refrigerant from gas to liquid. The condenser is located in front of the car radiator. When the refrigerant in the form of a high pressure gas passes through the condenser, the heat from the refrigerant is transferred to the outside air, and the refrigerant turns into a liquid.
Apart from that, there is a component whose job is to filter and dry the refrigerant that enters the evaporator, namely the Receiver dryer. This component functions as a filter to remove humidity and dirt particles from the refrigerant, as well as storing a certain amount of refrigerant.
The evaporator is the place where the refrigerant absorbs heat from the car cabin and evaporates, so that cold air can be produced. Air from the cabin is blown into the evaporator by a blower fan. When air passes through the evaporator, the heat from the air is absorbed by the refrigerant, causing the air leaving the evaporator to cool.
Finally, there is an expansion valve that regulates the flow of refrigerant into the evaporator and reduces the refrigerant pressure so that the cooling process can take place. When high-pressure liquid refrigerant passes through the expansion valve, the pressure drops drastically, allowing the refrigerant to evaporate quickly while absorbing heat in the evaporator.
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The working process of a car AC begins with a compressor which pumps high-pressure refrigerant in gas form to the condenser. In the condenser, the refrigerant is cooled by the outside air and changes from a high-pressure gas to a high-pressure liquid.
The liquid refrigerant then passes through a receiver dryer, where it is filtered and dried of moisture and impurities before entering the evaporator. In the evaporator, the refrigerant absorbs heat from the air in the car cabin, causing the refrigerant to evaporate back into a low-pressure gas, and the air leaving the evaporator becomes cold.
The low pressure refrigerant gas then returns to the compressor, passing through an expansion valve which regulates the refrigerant flow and ensures the refrigerant pressure remains low when it enters the evaporator. This cycle continues to repeat as long as the car's AC is turned on, keeping the car cabin cool and comfortable.
To keep your car AC durable and functioning well, regular maintenance is required. Here are some maintenance tips that you can do:
To maintain the durability of your car's AC, avoid immediately turning on the AC at maximum temperature when you first start the car. This step can give the engine time to reach optimal operating temperature. Let the engine run for a while before turning on the AC to reduce the direct load on the AC system and components, which can extend their lifespan.
A dirty air filter can reduce AC efficiency and accelerate component damage. Therefore, clean the air filter regularly or replace it if it becomes too dirty. A clean air filter ensures good air flow and prevents dirt from entering which can damage the evaporator and other components.
Make sure the amount of refrigerant in the AC system is sufficient and there are no leaks. A lack of refrigerant can cause the compressor to work harder, which can result in the compressor breaking down quickly. Routinely checking refrigerant levels and ensuring there are no leaks is an important step to maintain optimal performance and longevity of the AC system.
Routinely checking your car AC at a repair shop for a thorough check is highly recommended. Regular servicing can prevent further damage and ensure all components work properly. The workshop technician will carry out various checks such as refrigerant pressure, compressor condition, and cleanliness of other main components.
A dirty condenser can hinder the cooling process, making the AC less efficient. Therefore, make sure the condenser remains clean by periodically cleaning it from dust and dirt. A clean condenser helps the process of releasing heat from the refrigerant more efficiently, which is important for optimal AC performance.
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Maintaining your car's AC is an important step to maintain driving comfort and ensure that the AC components remain durable. By carrying out routine maintenance you can ensure that your car's AC remains durable and functions well, providing maximum comfort when driving.
Trust your car to Prima Autocare & Sales to avoid more serious damage and expensive repair costs. With professional service and experienced technicians, Prima Auto Care & Sales is ready to ensure your car's AC is always in the best condition. Contact us now for optimal care and guaranteed driving comfort!
